What is the meaning of Genesis 36:10? These are the names of Esau’s sons • Genealogies in Scripture are more than historical footnotes; they trace the unfolding of God’s promises (Genesis 17:7; Matthew 1:1–2). • Moses pauses here to highlight Esau’s line before shifting the focus back to Jacob, reminding us that God remains sovereign over all nations, even those outside the covenant line (Deuteronomy 2:4-6). • The introduction “These are the names” marks a formal record, underscoring that Esau’s family is real, rooted, and remembered—evidence that the Lord fulfills His word of multiplication to Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 25:23; 1 Chronicles 1:34-35). Eliphaz son of Esau’s wife Adah • Eliphaz is listed first, the eldest, indicating the place of primogeniture in ancient culture (Genesis 49:3). • His mother Adah was a Hittite (Genesis 26:34). By noting her again, the text reminds us of Esau’s earlier disregard for Isaac and Rebekah’s wishes about marriage within the covenant family (Genesis 28:8-9). • Eliphaz becomes ancestor of the Amalekites (Genesis 36:12), later Israel’s persistent foe (Exodus 17:8-16), illustrating how decisions made outside God’s design can reverberate through history. • Yet God still numbers and names Eliphaz, showing His continued oversight of every lineage (Psalm 147:4). and Reuel son of Esau’s wife Basemath • Reuel is the second-named son, born to Basemath, also called Mahalath (Genesis 28:9). Mentioning her links back to Esau marrying an Ishmaelite in a partial attempt to appease his parents, though still outside covenant purposes. • Reuel fathers powerful Edomite clans (Genesis 36:13-17). God grants Esau’s children territory in Seir (Deuteronomy 2:5), fulfilling the promise that “two nations are in your womb” (Genesis 25:23). • The line of Reuel stands as a testimony that earthly prosperity does not equal covenant favor; blessing and election remain distinct (Romans 9:10-13). summary Genesis 36:10 records Esau’s first two sons, Eliphaz and Reuel, anchoring them to their mothers Adah and Basemath. The verse affirms God’s faithfulness to multiply Abraham’s descendants, even those outside the chosen line, while quietly reminding us of the long-term consequences of Esau’s marital choices. Every name is counted, every branch remembered, and God’s unfolding plan of redemption for Jacob’s line continues unhindered. |
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